Features

Overview

We love this one. It's most certainly the hike Indiana Jones would choose if he could pick from any excursion in the Columbia River area. Talk about adventure. You'll scramble over a giant tangle of logs and wade through a river bound by steep basalt walls on either side until you reach a 100-foot waterfall that crashes into a pool deep enough to swim in.

It sounds great and it is. Descend the stairs from the bridge into a ravine and follow the Oneonta River upstream towards the waterfall. Don't expect a trail; the river is the trail. Once you cross the log jam you'll be wading in cold, slow-moving water up to your waist until you hit the waterfall. The stones on the bottom of the river can be slick, so use caution.

Although thousands of people do this hike safely every summer, watch the video and decide if the hike is appropriate for you and/or your kids. Take a towel, wear clothes and footwear that you can get completely soaked, and head out on a sunny summer day for a few hours.

Permits & Tips

No fees required. Expect big crowds on summer weekends. No drinking water or toilets available. Go under the bridge in the opposite direction as the Falls (north side) and check out the fun little lake tucked away from the crowds.